Feline Obesity

Question
I have two female cats-- sisters about 18 months old. They're both smaller than the average adult cat, though one is moreso than the other. We had them at the vet recently where we learned that Keeley weighs over two pounds more than Keira, and we're almost positive that the weight difference has only increased since then.

I wouldn't go so far as to say that Keeley is obese, but she is definitely slightly overweight and only getting worse. Keira, on the other hand, is slightly underweight.

They're fed one cup of Purina Cat Chow (Indoor Formula) twice a day. I'd like to alter Keeley's feeding habits to prevent further weight gain, but I don't want Keira to suffer, nutritionally speaking, because of it.

Any suggestions regarding what kind of food to offer, and what to do about feeding two cats two different kinds of food?

Thanks so much, in advance, for any help you can offer!

Answer
Caitlin,

Speaking from personal experience feeding one cat a different food from another in a multiple cat household can be difficult and time consuming. Just because there is a weight difference between the two cats doesn't mean that one is obese. When you look down on both of your cats when they are standing you should be able to see an hourglass figure of sorts. When you pet the cats you should be able to feel the ribs and hip bones with gentle pressure. If your cat's ribs can't be felt with firm pressure but they still have an hourglass figure they may be overweight. If your cat looks like a football with legs they are obese. If your vet hasn't mentioned putting either cat on a special diet there really isn't a need to. I personally recommend that cats be fed a good quality cat food preferably a holistic food if possible. The better the quality of the cats' diet the less often they will need to see the vet beyond routine preventative care. Food quality works the same way in cats as it does in people: garbage in, garbage out. My first recommendation to help both cats maintain excellent body condition without the hassle of constantly wondering who is eating what and how much would be to have a regular time set aside each day to play with both cats. If you play with both cats for long enough and hard enough each day that they end the game tired then Keira and Keeley will naturally build more muscle mass and maintain the proper body condition. I must also let you know that just because Keira is lighter than Keeley doesn't mean that Keeley is overweight. Genetics play a big role in size and build in cats just as they do in humans. If you use natural methods of maintaining a healthy body condition in both cats by feeding a high quality, preferably holistic food and making sure that they get regular interactive play sessions to help them get the exercise and stimulation they need then I think that if Keeley is carrying extra weight and Keira is a little light, you will notice positive change in both cats as well as strengthen the bonds between you and these sisters. The nice thing about regular interactive play is that your cats will not become bored couch potatoes with the potential to develop destructive behaviors. Getting on top of this issue right away will give you the highest chance of providing Keeley and Keira with the happiest, healthiest lives that they can have. I hope that this information helps. If you have any further questions or concerns or you would simply like to send an update my way, please don't hesitate to contact me again.